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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - 1996-11-04 SCOUNCIL\1996-11-04-SPE NOVEMBER 4, 1996 SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER A special meeting of City Council was held at 12:10 p.m. this date, and Chaired by Mayor R. Christy, with all members present except Councillor K. Redman. Notice of this special meeting had previously been given to all members of Council by the City Clerk pursuant to Chapter 25 (Council Procedure) of the Municipal Code. Mayor R. Christy advised that he wished to add, to the list of items for caucus consideration this date a real estate related matter. Moved by Councillor J. Ziegler Seconded by Councillor C. Weylie "That an in-camera meeting of City Council be held immediately following this special meeting to consider a personal matter, and a matter involving solicitor-client privilege." Carried. The special Council meeting was then recessed and reconvened at 1:05 p.m. following the in-camera discussion, with all members present except Councillor K. Redman. Councillor C. Weylie put forward a request from the Christ Lutheran School for permission to hold a bazaar later this month. Moved by Councillor C. Weylie Seconded by Councillor J. Ziegler "That Council approve the request of Christ Lutheran School to hold a bazaar on November 23, 1996 at Christ Lutheran School, 146 Trafalgar Avenue, and further, That the above be conditional upon obtaining the necessary fire and health approvals." Carried. Mayor R. Christy referred to a letter he received on October 16, 1996 from Mr. A. Eggleton, Minister for International Trade, extending a personal invitation to join an upcoming Team Canada trade mission led by Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Jean Chr~tien. The trade mission would make stops in South Korea, the Philippines and Thailand from January 8 to 20, 1997. Mayor Christy requested Council's endorsement of his attendance, and the related budget expenditure. Councillor J. Ziegler questioned why the City would send the Mayor rather than local business representatives, and Mayor R. Christy replied that information he recently received from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities suggests that generally speaking, the countries on the itinerary view the Mayor as an important participant in this type of activity and his or her presence lends credibility to the trade mission. Councillor Jake Smola enquired as to the estimated expenditure, and Mayor Christy replied that the cost is estimated at approximately $9,000. Councillor Jake Smola indicated his interest in receiving a subsequent report on the economic benefits deriving from the trade mission. Mayor R. Christy offered the opinion that the only legitimate reason for sending the Mayor is to promote local trade initiatives and develop seed relationships in this regard which could lead to future economic benefits. Moved by Councillor C. Weylie Seconded by Councillor J. Ziegler "That Mayor R. Christy accept the invitation to join the Team Canada trade mission which will visit South Korea, the Philippines and Thailand from January 8 to 20, 1997, with all related expenses to be paid for by the City through the appropriate budget(s)." In response to a concern raised by Councillor M. Wagner, Councillor J. Ziegler clarified that Council approval is required for any trips by its members outside of North America. He also expressed the view that if the trade mission results in future economic benefits, the proposed expenditure is justified. He further suggested that an upset figure in this regard should be discussed. Councillor John Smola indicated his preference that the expenditures should come from the Council conference account. Mr. J. Gazzola advised that the Economic Development Department has a budget for this type of activity, and NOVEMBER 4, 1996 SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES - 554 - CITY OF KITCI:IENER that a portion could be debited from this account and the balance from the Mayor/Council budget. Councillor T. Galloway acknowledged that it is an honour to be invited on such a trade mission; however, he questioned whether the Mayor is the most appropriate community participant. He offered the view that this type of mission is often an agreement signing ceremony, and that opportunities to capitalize on new business initiatives will not likely occur at this stage in the process. Councillor Galloway expressed his preference for assisting the City's business partners in this regard, rather than sending the Mayor, and advised that he would not support the motion for this reason. Councillor B. Vrbanovic argued that the funding should not come from the Economic Development budget, but should be paid for through the Council budget alone, even if there is an over-expenditure. Councillor Jake Smola indicated his agreement with the comments of Councillor Vrbanovic. Mayor R. Christy pointed out that the Economic Development budget presently has funds for this type of activity which are not currently allocated. He also replied that participation in the Trade Mission is by invitation and the invitation was extended to the Mayor alone. The motion by Councillor C. Weylie, seconded by Councillor J. Ziegler, encouraging the Mayor to accept the invitation to join an upcoming Team Canada trade mission was voted on and Carried. On motion, the meeting adjourned. MAYOR CLERK